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Why American Indian Studies?

Do you want to gain in-depth knowledge of Native nations in the US and indigenous peoples throughout the world? Want to use this knowledge to affect meaningful change in Native communities?

The Department of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota strives to cultivate Native leaders and allies by providing a critical and comprehensive education in the field of Native American and Indigenous Studies. American Indian Studies majors receive training in contemporary Native literary and artistic expression, legal and political issues, and historical experiences.

Video of Brenda Child: Why American Indian Studies?

This critical and comprehensive education prepares our students to pursue a multitude of career paths in policy, education, community development, as well as cutting edge graduate programs. Our nationally-renowned faculty are committed to challenging conventional academic approaches while also giving students strong backgrounds in in critical areas of policy, law, history, social theory, education, literary criticism, film, and environmental studies. All of this is complemented by a thriving Native community on campus, in the Twin Cities, and throughout the state of Minnesota.